Anniversary of Vatican City’s Foundation in Vatican City
Vatican City marks its foundation anniversary each 11 February, the date the Lateran Treaty was signed in 1929. The treaty settled the Roman Question and established Vatican City as a territory under the Holy See’s sovereignty.[1][2]
What the anniversary marks
The Lateran Treaty was signed by the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy on 11 February 1929. It addressed the Roman Question, which had arisen after Rome was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1870. The treaty recognized the Holy See’s full ownership and sovereign jurisdiction over the Vatican territory, creating Vatican City for the purpose of ensuring the Holy See’s independence.[2]
The treaty took effect when it was ratified on 7 June 1929. The anniversary recalls the signing date and the agreement that established the modern city-state; it does not mark the later date when the treaty entered into force.[1][2]
A Vatican City holiday
The anniversary is observed on 11 February. Article 25 of the regulations for the Chapter of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter lists the anniversary of the State’s foundation among its staff holidays. The same article says that when a listed holiday falls on Sunday, it does not create compensatory rest for staff whose weekly rest day is Sunday, or for the specified shift workers.[3]
That provision concerns the Basilica Chapter’s personnel. Visitors should check with the specific office or business they plan to visit.
Observances and practical planning
The Lateran Treaty established Vatican City and recognized the Holy See’s sovereignty over its territory.[1][2][3]
For visitors, one clear practical effect is that the Vatican Museums list 11 February among their annual closure dates. Their published opening schedule does not apply on that date. This confirms the Museums are closed; it does not establish the opening status of St. Peter’s Basilica or other attractions, so check their official visitor information separately.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is the foundation anniversary?
Is it a day off?
The Basilica Chapter’s personnel regulations list the foundation anniversary as a staff holiday. The cited provision does not establish the rule for every Vatican workplace.[3]
Is there a substitute day if 11 February falls on Sunday?
The Basilica Chapter’s regulations say that a Sunday coincidence does not produce compensatory rest for the staff groups specified there.[3]
Are the Vatican Museums open?
No. The Museums list 11 February as a closure date. Check separately for the opening status of other Vatican sites.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Anniversary of the foundation of Vatican City in Vatican City:
- State of Vatican City and Holy See - General Information- Secretariat of State of the Holy See
- Patti lateranensi, 11 febbraio 1929 - Segreteria di Stato, card. Pietro Gasparri- Secretariat of State of the Holy See
- Chirografo del Santo Padre Francesco circa lo Statuto e il Regolamento del Capitolo della Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (29 giugno 2024) - ULSA- Ufficio del Lavoro della Sede Apostolica (ULSA)
- Days & Hours of closure- Vatican Museums